The 32-year-old Chilean succeeded Lars Bender as captain in the summer of 2020 and led the team onto the pitch last season. "I was proud to wear the armband," said Aránguiz. "But I noticed over the course of the season that I can help the team more if I completely focus on my performance on the pitch. That's why I made the post of captain available. Of course, I will continue in a leadership role and give my full support to Lukas."
Hradecky joined the Werkself from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018 and has made 127 appearances for Bayer 04 so far. "Lukas is not only an outstanding goalkeeper but also a complete professional who has a very conscientious approach to his game," said Gerardo Seoane. "On top of that, he has a very positive presence, communicates well and is happy to accept responsibility."
The new captain is looking forward to the challenge. "The team has become very close to my heart in the past few years. And I really identify with the club," said the 31-year-old Finland international. "We have ambitious targets for next season. My teammates and I will give our all to achieve them."
Julian Baumgartlinger, Jonathan Tah and Charles Aránguiz are the vice-captains.
Werkself captains since 1996:
Jens Nowotny: 1996-2003
Carsten Ramelow: 2003-2008
Simon Rolfes: 2008-2015
Lars Bender: 2015-2020
Charles Aránguiz: 2020-2021
Lukas Hradecky: From 2021
An overview of current ticket sales for Bayer 04 home and away matches in the 2026/27 season.
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Three games, three wins: Bayer 04 secured a 2–0 victory at Greek Cup winners OFI Crete with Jonas Hofmann scoring both goals at the Pankritio Stadium, right on the Mediterranean coast (35’, 38’). As a result, the Werkself have temporarily taken over top spot in the table on Matchday 3 of the league phase of the UEFA Europa League.
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'40 Years Across Europe' - and for the first time ever, Bayer 04 are travelling to Greece's biggest island for a European clash. There they'll take on OFI Crete - full name Omilos Filathlon Irakleiou (‘Association of Sports Friends of Heraklion’) - on Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League league phase. The meeting with the Greek Cup winners kicks off at 18:45 CEST on Thursday 22 October at the Pankritio. We’ll bring you all the latest updates from the trip here…
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Two games – two wins: Bayer 04 have picked up maximum points from their two matches so far in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. What's more, of their previous 14 UEL matches, Bayer 04 have lost just one. Away to OFI Crete, Carles Martínez’s side are looking to add another successful performance on the European stage to their string of impressive displays. The Greeks, for their part, have been waiting four matches for a win, but Leverkusen should be on their guard: OFI’s most recent victory came against a German side. Today's matchday news.
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Ahead of Bayer 04's Europa League match away to OFI Crete in Greece, defender Jarell Quansah spoke to Werkself-TV...
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